rhizoverbBeta
Dictionarylively
adjective

lively

Full of energy, activity, or interest.

The lively children race around the playground during their lunch break.

Etymology
liveEnglishbeing alive
+lyEnglishhaving the character of

Lively belongs to the family of life and live. It extends the idea of being alive to conspicuous energy, activity, and interest.

More examples

  • Her question sparks a lively discussion about school rules.
  • The café gets livelier when the lunch crowd arrives.
  • He plays a lively tune that makes everyone dance.

Forms

lively · livelier · liveliest

liveliness noun — The quality of being energetic or engaging.

Similar words

energetic
Emphasizes physical energy or effort rather than interest.
animated
Emphasizes visible excitement or expressiveness in people and conversations.
vibrant
Often describes the strong energy of places or communities.